A Roman Catholic perspective on religions and the state in search of the common goodin Nigeria

Abstract

This paper uses “Religion” and “state” interchangeably for church and politics, church and government, and church and civil society. The two are undeniably autonomous and function in different domains, and yet they live in sybiosis, sharing common concerns and interests. The Church’s mission is apolitical, but she cannot remain on the sidelines in her prophetic office of relating the Gospel to the practical world of today for the sake of the promotion and salvation of humanity. To arrive at a “Roman Catholic perspective” on the need for cooperation towards the common good, the paper reflects upon specific papal documents, pastoral letters, and episcopal communiqués. Finally, within the current Nigerian context, the fight against increasing poverty and misery, injustice, and the apparent flourishing of the greedy and corrupt, are identified as examples of possible areas for collaboration between church and state.